There was something austere about it which I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Then I saw some massive metal bars right in front of me. A bit strange…

I wondered if these were put there to accompany the temporary exhibition that was on display at the time, which was about life in prison.

It turned out that the museum is actually inside a prison. To be precise, this huge, impressive building used to be a prison up until the mid 1970s.

Nice to see they put it to good use!

Photo by Diego Delso [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsAlongside the temporary exhibition showing life in prison by two photographers with very different styles, which was fascinating and disturbing at the same time, there is also a permanent exhibition. This one is the museum’s collection of cameras from different time periods.

It you’re into photography, or just want to experience this huge, weird building, check it out. Entrance is free.

Porto Lifestyle Walking Tour

On my first day in Porto, when I knew little about it, I took a free walking tour with Porto Walkers.

This one isn’t your classic historical walking tour, but more of a blend of history and important monuments with stories about the city’s lifestyle.

Porto from above! We stopped at this lovely viewpoint during the walking tour

You’ll get to hear Portugal’s 20th century history in 10 minutes (!) or the history of the Jews in Porto, but you’ll also learn about its street art scene and its drug policies, and even learn some words in Portuguese.

Enjoy Porto’s Street Art Scene

From great murals to sticker art, Porto seems to be full of wonderfully creative street art.

Street art in Porto by Mr Dheo

Since 2013, the city of Porto moved towards embracing street art, instead of fighting it. New rules allow artists to paint certain walls with the official support of the city.

Street art in Porto by Mots Mesk and Fedor

It’s always nice when the value of urban art gets the recognition it deserves.

Street art in Porto by Frederico Draw

Apart from the incredible murals, there’s plenty of sticker art and paste ups all around the city.

Porto’s brilliant street art

Get Inspired at Porto’s Art District

Not far from the city centre, there’s a bohemian heaven called the Art District, or the Art Block.

Rua de Miguel Bombarda and all the streets around it have an endless selection of art galleries, displaying contemporary art mostly, plus an array of design shops, indie fashion, vintage shops and craft studios.

Six times a year, all the galleries in the area unite for an event of simultaneous openings (inaugurações simultâneas), where they all launch new exhibitions at the same time. See the Facebook page for updates on the next event.

I found myself returning to the art block again and again during my visit to Porto. There’s so much to see.

The whole area has a very alternative feel, with cool cafes and hipster bars, but despite being artistic, it doesn’t feel pretentious or snobbish at all. That’s undoubtedly part of the charm of this city.

Where to stay in Porto

There are three areas in Porto that are popular with tourists and I recommend you stay in one of them to make the most of your visit to the city:

Baixa is Porto’s downtown area. Staying here means you’ll be right in the centre and close to all the attractions.

Ribeira is the area near the river, that’s always lively with bars and restaurants.

Cedofeita is where the art district of the city is (Rua Miguel Bombarda) and so it’s pretty trendy. It’s also central so you’ll be close to all the main points of interest in Porto.

Here are my accommodation recommendations for each of those districts – all are very highly-rated and offer good value money:

Northern Portugal is high on my list for 2018 (along with Brazil). I’ve been planning on starting my trip in Porto and your post confirms my plans. Although I have vertigo, I think I must force myself to the top of that bridge.

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